1. Hart’s Mill Ecovillage and Farm
Exploring Models for
Affordable & Resilient Communities

2. Hart’s Mill… For people of all ages and backgrounds…
Is a forming resident-developed intentional community and farm near Mebane in Orange County, NC…
For people of all ages and backgrounds…
Who aspire to enjoy a connected and vibrant social life…
With a shared commitment to environment, economic, and social justice.

3. Master Site Plan Plan

4. Village Site Plan

5. Village Street Section

6. The Numbers 112 acres 32 homes + common house + studios 85% open space
50 acres timber + 20 acres farm
$8.5 million total development cost
2018: expected date of construction
15 core members and about exploratory members

7. Governance Sociocracy means “governance by peers”
complete system for decision making, organizational structure, and evaluation
Based on principles of:
Equivalence
Effectiveness
Transparency

8. Legal Structure Exploring a limited equity housing cooperative:
All land, infrastructure & buildings owned by co-op
Members own an share of the co-op plus the right to a long-term lease of a home and use of common areas and facilities
Upfront membership fee, plus ongoing maintenance and reserve fees
Cap on individual equity appreciation

9. Co-op Challenges
Case law for housing cooperatives is virtually non-existent in North Carolina
Limited choice of funders, insurers, etc.
Potential buyers unfamiliar with the model, limiting market for initial and follow-on sales
Perceived risk can result in lower valuations, higher rates, more reserves, etc.
Not eligible for affordable housing programs and incentives

10. Co-op Benefits Direct community control of management
Ability to screen and approve incoming members
Members can transition to another home as life circumstances change without the expense of buying and selling real estate
Members have limited personal liability
Members may take tax deductions for their share of expenses such as mortgage interest & taxes

11. Achieving Affordability
Self-management and in-kind contributions from members result in lower total operating costs
Shared facilities, transportation, food production, equipment, etc. result in lower personal living costs
Flexibility to shift costs among members to allow for a greater diversity of income levels
Economies of scale & bargaining power to negotiate better pricing

12. “Hidden” Benefits Greater personal security and safety
Development of communication, decision-making, and life skills; opportunities to contribute
Enhanced social support networks, e.g., after- school childcare, assistance during illness or temporary setbacks, less depression, greater independence for older adults, etc.

13. Broader Community Benefits
Supportive of immediate neighborhood
Reduced crime and vandalism
Less utilization of public services such as police, EMS, and social workers
Promotion of greater economic & cultural diversity
Model and laboratory for more resilient ways of living

14. What’s Needed? Wider variety of financing sources and vehicles
Alternative funding to fill the “risk gaps”
Public sector incentives for co-ops & cohousing
Build familiarity and confidence in the market for housing cooperatives
Support from mission driven institutional and private funders

15. Hart’s Mill Ecovillage and Farm
Katy Ansardi